The cargo pallet after being tossed by the by the Canadarm2 robotic arm in 2021.Photo: NASA On Friday, March 8, a pallet of used batteries from the International Space Station (ISS) reentered Earth’s atmosphere over the Gulf of Mexico following an unpredictable journey through orbit. Taking out the Trash (in Space) The pallet contained nine … Read more
Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are about to make a new cyborg friend in the form of two short mechanical arms that will do their bidding in the cold, dark vacuum of low Earth orbit. Taking out the Trash (in Space) California-based startup GITAI is launching its 4.9-foot-long (1.5-meters) autonomous dual robotic … Read more
A Progress spacecraft docked to the ISS.Photo: NASA Every once in a while, the ISS requires a boost to counteract orbital decay and maintain its altitude. While the ISS is equipped with its own thrusters, they aren’t sufficient for major reboosts due to limited fuel capacity, lower power, and the need to preserve onboard resources … Read more